NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has neutralized another eight Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members in the first week of 2023, as part of the Command’s continuing calls for them to abandon the terrorist movement.
Two of the said personalities, identified as Jomar “Dogdog” Panduan, a Commanding Officer, and Edwin “Damas” Mandumaya, a Liaison, both of a Milisyang Bayan (MB) under the dismantled GF6, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), capitulated to the troops of 10ID’s 1003Bde and 89IB at Sitio Misalay, Brgy. Digongan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on January 4. Paduan also brought an M14 rifle with a magazine and ammunition.
The four others, who were members of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Sagay under the SRC3, NCMRC surrendered to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) Las Nieves, headed by Mayor Karen S. Rosales, through the effort of Brgy. Capt. Wennie Loquinte at the Municipal Hall of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on January 5.
Bringing along two AK47 rifles and two Cal .38 revolvers, the said individuals were identified as Roselle “Gab” Polinar, Head Liaison Staff and Taxation, and members Cesar “Magulang” Corella, Jenifer “Laiza” Binongkasan, and Aurilyn “Laily” Havana.
The former rebels were immediately turned over to the 23IB under 4ID’s 402Bde on the same day to process their benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Mayor Rosales also provided them with food packs and livelihood assistance during their surrender, aside from the medical assistance given to Binongkasan and Havana who are both pregnant.
In another incident, two communist terrorists were neutralized by the troops of 4ID’s 901Bde and 65IB following a gun battle that ensued through the report of concerned civilians in the boundary of Brgy. Taligaman and Brgy. Bugsukan both of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on January 6.
One of the CTG died at the encounter site while the other was wounded. Troops immediately provided first aid to the wounded NPA before he was transported to the nearest hospital and coordinated to Butuan City Police Office for proper disposition. Government forces also captured two AK47 rifles, an M653 rifle, assorted medical supplies, other war materiel, and personal belongings.
It can be recalled that 11 other CTG members were neutralized earlier this year after LtGen. Almerol urged them to abandon the weakening terrorist movement brought about by the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison. EastMinCom now has 19 NPAs neutralized just in the first week of 2023.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander noted that the series of neutralization occurred through the relentless efforts of his troops to pursue the remaining CTG members. He also credited the recent accomplishments to the support of the LGU.
“The surrender of the CTG members this year has been accomplished because of the continued commitment and partnership of our troops and civilian government. The CTG’s declining force and leadership has made them more vulnerable that is why most of their members are now submitting to authorities,” he emphasized.
The EastMinCom Commander also urged the CTG remnants in his Joint Operational Area to stop fighting and, instead, support the government to develop conflict-affected communities. He also reiterated his offer of freedom and the benefits of the E-CLIP if they choose to abandon the armed struggle.
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